Blade and Face Geometry

As I found when I started using a DE - and I tried as many different razors as I could - my face and certain razors do NOT mix. For example - a Merkur HD rips me to shreds (no matter what blade I try); my granddad's 1947 Aristocrat really burns my face with every blade except a Red Personna. The 'one' DE that works for pretty much any blade and yields the best, most comfortable shave is a British Flare-tip Rocket. I have sold off most of my other DE's and kept two Rockets.

So I have tried a few straights so far:
a Karbon King 4/8 spike point - hate this - I cannnot get this to not yank the hair from my face
An old Greaves wedge I restored and had honed (badly, I think) - I could not get the weight or angle right in this - it also had a smile and I couldnt figure it out - so I sold it (regettably now)
A Dovo Special (which i stuipdily sold after giving up two years ago) - always seemed to work, but then I cut myself...

My current rotation is:
Boker King Cutter - I like it
Dovo Best Quality - really liking this.

It seems (so far) that the Dovo blade - grind, gemoetry, metal, whatever - is the best fit for me. It's fascinating that these blades that look so similar can behave so differently.

The search for the 'one razor' is fun, and a relatively inexpensive quest... I am wondering if a top-quality Dovo would be the 'one' for me....Bismark? Prima Klang? Bergischer Lowe??

Barry

A modern and "hi-end" Dovo I'm sure will rock, but take a look at this thread: http://straightrazorpalace.com/vendo...ped-dovos.html

These are old NOS blanks that's of great quality, I got one a week ago and it's incredibly good, the steel takes an amazing edge. May not be so hot looking, but the shave is top notch!
And at those prices, they're a steal.

http://img827.imageshack.us/img827/6222/sotd301111.jpg
By blix72 at 2011-11-30

I lucked into my "One razor" a few months ago, but better than that, it isn't a single razor but a particular configuration. I had narrowed down my configuration preference to blades with a thumb notch, then bought a 6/8 shoulderless round point on the classifieds and Behold, there is my state of ergonomic perfection. That one's a nameless Sheffield, hollow grind. Another of this size and configuration (though with shoulders) is a German-made Vom Cleff extra-hollow I bought from Pinklather. Most recently, I succombed to temptation and bought a brand-new 3/4 shoulderless round-point Dovo that has, imho, an excellent price point. It's also an excellent shaver for me.

Attachment 84509
(and here's a link to the vendor)

I've found that, even though I have some blades that are currently sharper than these three current favorites, I get quicker and less eventful shaves from these three. Though the steels differ, the ergonomics are spot-on for me. I also find the shoulderless blades much easier (or maybe less worrisome, or just more pleasurable) to strop.

That's my two cents. Happy shaving!

It is highly unlikely that any one brand will be your "golden bullet", but I am sure Dovo will appreciate it if you continue to work on your current hypothesis! :)

James.

Dovo may appreciate it, but my wife??? not so much :D

that is gorgeous.... I'm hoping Santa drops a few extra bux down my chimney this year - maybe I 'll scoop one of those.

With a DE each razor is set up a bit different and the blades all differ so matching is indeed important. With a straight I'm not sure that is the case. It's more a matter of the grind, size, balance and a few other factors and the way you use it but as far as shaving goes they should all work pretty much the same. Folks may prefer one over the other and it may take a bit to be accustomed to say a 7/8s over a 4/8s but in the end you should get the same result no matter the blade as long as it's quality.